Department of Elementary Education
Acting Head of Department : Dilek Altun
Professors : Dilek Altun
Associate Professors : Mine Göl Güven, Zeynep Berna Erdiller Yatmaz, Ersoy Erdemir
Assistant Professors : Ayşegül Metindoğan
Assistants : Beyhan Ataş, Beyza Şirvan Ayaz, Enes Alim
Instructors : Dr. Bülent Sezgin*, Dr. Bahar Kural*, Dr. Süreyya Yörük*, Dr. Seran Demirel*, Dr. Fatma Nalan Babür*, Ayça Tekin Keleşoğlu*, Meltem Ceylan Alibeyoğlu*, Deniz Keskin*, Pelin Elitok*, İdil Seda Ak*, Selçuk Fergökçe*
Part time*
The Department of Primary Education offers a four-year program leading to a bachelor's degree in Preschool Education.
The undergraduate program in Preschool Education aims to impart knowledge and develop skills of those who will be working in various environments with children up to the age of 8 years. In addition to training preschool teachers, we also aim to educate competent professionals who will be working with the families of young children, with the social institutions related to health, education, and community development. The program combines theoretical training and field experience and offers a vision based on current research.
There is also a double-major program in Preschool Education and Guidance and Psychological Counseling
Established
1998
ISCED Code
143
Educational goals and objectives
The Undergraduate Program in Preschool Education aims to develop knowledge and skills for professionals who will be working in various environments with children up to the age of 8 years. The aim is not limited to training preschool teacher candidates but also to educating competent professionals who will be working with the families of young children, with social institutions related to health and education, and with the community to promote community development. The program combines theoretical training and field experience, and offers a scientific vision based on current research. Courses in the undergraduate program are offered by various departments of the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Courses offered by Department of Primary Education are grouped within three main categories of courses; theory, practice and research. Topics of theoretical courses aim at providing fundamentals of early childhood education and vary from early intervention and child development theories to special education and literacy in early childhood. Research courses aim at developing research skills and involve topics about research methods and curriculum development. Courses related to music and movement, community practice, art activities, and practicum form a part of practice-based courses. The department has a children’s library and laboratory for the use of pre-service teachers in practice-based courses. Variety of children' books and educational materials are provided within children's library and laboratory.
Admission and special requirements
The language of instruction is English. A one-year mandatory Preparatory Program is implemented in the language of instruction of the program. At the end of the program, those who pass the proficiency exam in the relevant language are directly enrolled in the first year.
Acknowledgement of previous learning
The succeed courses by the internal and external transition students in previous associate degree and undergraduate programs will be exempted with the decision of the Board of Faculty of Education.
Graduation requirements
In order to graduate, the student must have a minimum GPA of 2.00 and successfully pass all the required and elective courses specified in the program.
Program learning outcomes
- Professionalism and Ethical Values: Embraces a professional perspective and attitude rooted in universal ethical values, supported by scientific data. Demonstrates exemplary conduct within society as both an academic and an educator.
- Scientific and Critical Thinking: Exhibits scientific and critical thinking abilities. Proficiently generates innovative solutions for challenges pertaining to early childhood education. Utilizes advanced English language proficiency, as well as information and communication technologies, scientific research methods, and techniques in their educational and academic endeavors.
- Bio-Ecological Developmental Evaluation: Proficiently assesses children from a bio-ecological systems standpoint, accounting for their developmental stages. Integrates insights from biological, psychological, sociological, historical, cultural, political, and economic contexts to bolster child development.
- Children's Rights and Individuality: Possesses comprehensive knowledge of children's rights, acknowledges the child's subjectivity and individuality, and molds practices in alignment with these principles.
- Family Collaboration and Empowerment: Approaches the child holistically, collaborating closely with their family. Nurtures family partnerships for the child's development and learning, fostering school-family connections, and enabling family involvement and empowerment.
- Inclusive Program Development: Devises programs that encompass the diversity of children and families. Addresses the unique needs of disadvantaged/at-risk groups while adhering to rigorous scientific standards.
- Special Needs Expertise: Proficiently guides families and children, particularly those with special needs, collaborating effectively with experts to implement classroom practices.
- Program Evaluation and Leadership: Demonstrates sound knowledge of early childhood education programs. Evaluates the appropriateness of various programs for the child, family, and context. Designs and leads programs, showcasing leadership and management skills while ensuring adherence to quality standards and workplace/environmental safety.
- Creative Learning Environments: Showcases specialized skills in areas such as drama, art, music, literature, etc. Utilizes these talents to create captivating learning environments that engage the child's curiosity and promote individual development.
- Assessment Proficiency: Familiarity with formal and informal assessment techniques applicable during early childhood. Skillfully interprets these methods to comprehend the child and their surroundings. Analyzes and interprets basic statistical data. Possesses knowledge of measurement and evaluation to gauge the efficacy of educational programs.
